Among pro-environmental solutions that further increase the value of buildings, the BREEAM certificate is becoming increasingly popular in Poland. What is it, how to apply for it and what are the benefits of having it?
BREEAM – what is it?
BREEAM stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. BREEAM in Polish means a method of assessing a building’s environmental impact. In Europe, BREEAM certification is one of the most widely used methods for assessing a building’s environmental performance. What is important is the impact exerted both during the use of the entire building and during the investment process itself. In addition, the BREEAM system makes it possible to verify how comfortable a building is for its users – thus providing a way to combine the interests of people with the needs of the environment.
Although in Poland still few investors choose to apply for BREEAM, the certificate is hardly a novelty. It was introduced in the UK as early as 1990 at the request of the BRE (Building Research Establishment), a building science organization there.
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What is BREEAM certification used for?
Because of its versatility, BREEAM certification is now one of the world’s most important certifications in the construction industry. The biggest advantage, and the source of the BREEAM certificate’s success, is that it can be applied for regardless of variables such as climate, building location or national regulations.
When it comes to BREEAM certification, the guidelines cover many areas and criteria. The more of them are met, the more sustainable the building is. Thus, with BREEAM certification, global standards are set for green and user-friendly construction. However, even if the developer knows that the construction will not hit the requirements set by the BREEAM certification, he can still use the guidelines as a guideline for what should be improved and which way to go in order to build at a world-class level. There is also no doubt that having a certificate automatically increases the value of a building – and for this purely pragmatic reason alone it is worth applying for it.
BREEAM guidelines
For systems such as BREEAM, certification requires meeting strict criteria. Buildings are evaluated in 10 categories:
- Management of the investment project and construction process,
- Energy efficiency of materials,
- comfort of use,
- energy consumption,
- The location of the building, including the distance from the public transport infrastructure,
- waste management,
- water and wastewater management,
- Taking care of the area around the building,
- ways seeking to reduce pollution,
- innovation.
The different criteria have different weights, so the evaluation process is very complex. Depending on the final score, the certificate can be awarded with different grades:
- from 85%: BREEAM Outstanding – for environmental leadership.
- 75-84%: BREEAM Excellent – for excellently designed buildings.
- 55-74%: BREEAM Very Good – for very good projects.
- 45-54%: BREEAM Good – for reliably executed investments.
- 30-44%: BREEAM Pass – for buildings meeting minimum criteria.
An investment that scores less than 30% will not be certified.
BREEAM certification process
A company applying for a BREEAM certificate is placed under the care of a consultant qualified to analyze projects for compliance with the guidelines. It is he who will verify the documents, using advanced programs and algorithms. If the building remains in the construction phase, the results of the consultation will provide guidance to the developer and the project’s contractors.
If the guidelines are met, the building will be certified at the level indicated by the score it received. If you need testing for the BREEAM certification process, you can get it done with TERMOCENT. The company performs acoustic testing, air leakage testing, air quality testing and more.
Call: +48 530 105 398
BREEAM certificate – benefits
The fact that a building has a BREEAM certificate is beneficial for both the investor and the users of the property. Such a building automatically gains more value on the market, so it can be sold or rented out profitably.
Instead, the building’s users can enjoy lower electricity and heat bills (and even complete independence from grid supplies). Often in BREEAM-certified buildings, convenient smart home solutions are used to enhance user comfort. Finally, the beneficiary is the environment, and thus indirectly people.
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Phone number: +48 530 105 398
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